Newport Cricket Club burgled, doors damaged and alcohol stolen - community groups left unable to use facilities

Police are investigating after Newport Cricket Club was burgled on Monday night. 

The cricket club posted on social media reporting the break-in and shared pictures revealing damage to the club's property and clubhouse.

Reports were made to West Mercia Police on Tuesday, and officers are now making enquiries. 

A West Mercia Police statement said: "At around 3.45am on Tuesday, November 12, a burglary was reported at Newport Cricket Club on Audley Avenue. Entry had been forced into the property and a quantity of alcohol had been stolen. Enquiries are ongoing."

Damage to the clubhouse has meant that the club will have to fund new doors, while events and gatherings for community groups at the site have been cancelled.

Chairman at the cricket club, Kyle Hodson said: "The frustration that this happened is also over the value of the goods that have been stolen and the disruption caused.

"We've got to have new doors - internal and external bar doors have all got to be replaced. So it's frustrating that we've got to do that.

"We have thriving community user groups that use the cricket club. But, we have had to cancel Tuesday and Wednesday's events. Various groups including Slimming World and baby groups use the facilities in the week, but with the doors being damaged, it's not warm enough for these groups to use the clubhouse.

"I think it was an opportunist who thought 'let's go and have a look'. I don't think they targeted us in particular. We're helping the police with our enquiries and if anybody local has any information then please pass it onto us or the police."

The cricket club is appealing for any CCTV or security camera footage that nearby residents may have that could assist with investigations. 

A social media post by Newport Cricket Club said: "Unfortunately, the cricket club was broken into on Monday night with the thieves using force to enter the clubhouse. Despite our frustration, we would like to use this as an opportunity to remind other local groups and businesses to remain vigilant at all times. 

"Instances like this only make things harder for volunteer-run organisations.

"If any residents have any security footage from Monday night in the Audley Avenue area that may assist in identifying the thieves, it would be gratefully received.

"Many local community groups use our clubhouse on a regular basis, so we’re doing our best to get things back to normal as soon as possible. If any local businesses would like to assist us in the clean up, repair and fitting of future prevention measures please get in touch.

"Police including scenes of crime officers are investigating."